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How to Recognise the Symptoms of Equine Influenza

2016/5/4 10:30:43

Equine influenza is a highly contagious flu-like virus that spreads quickly among horses. The good news is that it is rarely fatal in healthy horses. Zebras, donkeys and debilitated horses are not as lucky and may succumb to the disease. There are two types of the virus: Orthomyxovirus A/Equi-1 and Orthomyxovirus A/Equi-2. The latter has caused epidemics in equine populations and has become endemic in some countries.

The disease varies in severity depending on the overall condition of the horse. Factors such as age and health determine how severe the infection will be. Most horses recover over a period of a few days. The first sign of equine influenza is an elevated temperature, this rise is usually in the range of 38C (101F) to 41 C (106F). A normal body temperature is in the range of 37C to 38C. The horse may also seem "off" and lethargic.

The next symptom is usually a dry hacking cough which becomes moist over a period of a few days. Nasal discharge will be apparent and the horse may experience loss of appetite, in fact equine influenza symptoms closely resemble human flu symptoms. A diagnosis should be made through a nasopharyngeal swab and blood tests to eliminate any doubts and to rule out more serious respiratory conditions such as viral arteritis and viral rhinopneumonitis.

If the horse doesn't develop any complications, then supportive care and rest are all that is needed for a recovery. For Every day of fever, the horse should be rested for a week with a minimum rest period of three weeks. NSAIDs and antibiotics may be prescribed by the vet if the horse has a fever over 40C (104F) or if the fever persists for more than 3-4 days. Antibiotics and NSAIDs will also be administered if there is a risk of pneumonia or in the case of pus in the nasal discharge.

Due to the fact that there is no cure for the flu, prevention is necessary. Prevention is achieved through vaccination and proper management practices. The introduction of new horses to a stable or barn should entail a two week isolation period to avoid the spread of the virus. The virus is transmitted easily between horses through the inhalation of respiratory secretions and an infected horse can infect others by simply coughing. As with all viruses equine influenza is spread through the air. Nasal and intramuscular vaccinations help prevent infection in healthy horses your veterinarian should be able to advise you on which to use depending on your location and your horse's environment and overall health.

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